Bea Soriano Dee

Soriano Dee, co-founder of the incredibly successful Sunnies group— Studios, Specs, Face and Café—is another wonder woman who has not slowed down once during quarantine. With a large swatch of employees, the Sunnies group had to act fast to not only keep the business buzzing but to also maintain morale.

What’s an item that you use and can’t live without while WFH?

The one thing I always believed in is that lighting is the most important aspect of every home. Good lighting can instantly make any room magically beautiful. I’m particular with lighting that I even bring portable lamps whenever we travel.

This Tahiti vintage table lamp from Ettore Sottsass is one of my fave lamps from our home. My favourite thing about it is that it is such a nice piece of art to look at during the day. It’s childlike in its beauty and I appreciate the kind of positive energy it brings to the room.

But I also love how every night, I carve an alone time to read while the kids and my husband are asleep or busy—and this cheerful lamp keeps me company.

How do you stay focused when working from home?

For me, it is about creating a space to frame your mindset for what will happen at that desk. The mindset gets used to the routine.

What is your quarantine must-do?

I love reading books. I need to learn something new every day. I feel incomplete when I do not read.

Any business advice that you can share with us?

Cut as much costs. Communicate— over-communicate—with your team. We are not together these days so staying in touch will help you problem-solve fast. Make your staff feel like they are all still a part of the team and that the company is whole even if we are not together. At Sunnies, we have town hall discussions. We want everyone to know that they are part of the family: we got you, we hear you.

What have you quarantine period? learnt during this

I think I learnt also to take care of mental health, do not be pressured by social media.